Cirignano tells his story in The Constant Outsider’

Author Thomas M. Cirignano of Lakeville tells the story of living through a dark period in Boston history in “The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic.”

Peter P. Payack

Author Thomas M. Cirignano of Lakeville tells the story of living through a dark period in Boston history in “The Constant Outsider: Memoirs of a South Boston Mechanic.”
His true life-story of growing up in “Southie” during the Whitey Bulger era is filled with crime, discrimination, riots and gang wars, and has been described as a gripping and inspirational tale.
“The Constant Outsider” is vivid autobiography of Cirignano’s attempt to fit in and find acceptance in the Dorchester and South Boston neighborhoods that he grew up in.
The author explained during a phone interview that his Italian father always made it difficult for him to fit into the predominantly Irish neighborhoods.
“I’ve always perceived myself as an outsider. It was always a struggle,” Cirignano said. “People who know me don’t see me as an outsider, though.”
His publisher says readers will relive the struggle Cirignano fought through when reading about the years he worked as a mechanic at an automotive service station on East Third Street in the heart of South Boston.
They will also see the influence that infamous mobster Bulger had on the South Boston neighborhoods and the people in them. The story will perhaps hit the hardest as Cirignano recounts a dangerous encounter with Whitey himself.
“I think people always find it amazing that one person survived so many things,” said Cirignano, who has also been involved in a high-speed motorcycle accident and an ultralight aircraft crash.
Cirignano moved to Fort Myers, Fla. in 1987 and sold real estate for eleven years, but was forced out of work as a result of chronic back problems. Cirignano eventually moved back to Massachusetts and settled in Lakeville to be closer to his brother and sister. He currently resides in town with his family and has been an active member of school and town committees.
“Originally, I ran because I had a son in the school system,” said Cirignano. “A fresh point of view is always a good thing for a committee.”
Cirignano will be signing books at the Lakeville Arts & Music Festival on Saturday Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fans can also tune in or call in to WBZ Newsradio’s “The Jordan Rich Show” on Saturday Oct. 11, starting at midnight to listen to or speak with the author.
Cirignano will also host book signings at the John Adams Healthcare Center in Quincy on Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at the Lakeville Library, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.